Page 47 of Deception & Daylight (Oak Ridge #3)
Mags
? Call It What You Want - Taylor Swif t
I stare down at the article my father’s assistant sent over; the one with the headline that reads: “Watson Heiress Exposed as Secret Smut Siren.” The email is little more than a link and her standard office signature.
My doting father couldn't even be bothered to chastise me himself. His silence is deafening.
Footsteps approach telling me Miles is back from his run, and cool air hits my face as he peels back the comforter, just enough to expose the top half of my face. “Morning, Wildcat. You good?” I snag my phone from beneath the pillow and hold it up for him to read.
Maggie Watson, daught er of media mogul Arthur Watson, has been revealed as bestselling author M.W.
Hartley. Her debut novel, Love Between Loathing, became a viral sensation early last year, having garnered attention for her particularly salacious scenes.
We reached out to Mr. Watson’s representatives, but he has declined to comment. This story is still developing.
“Shit. How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine, all things considered. It had to come out eventually. I don’t know what’s worse. That he had his assistant send me the link, or that they called me a Smut Siren.”
He chuckles at the mention of the ridiculous nickname, his hand squeezing my calf over the plush comforter. “Smut Siren does have a certain ring to it. You should add that to your website.”
Just then, my phone chimes with yet another notification, only this time it’s the group chat.
Books they’re rightly appalled, and the rest of our lunch passes with a palpable tension hanging in the air.
It’s all I can do to keep my anger at bay.
Maggie’s been radiating nervous energy ever since the encounter, and I don’t want to make it any worse.
“You ready to head home?” I ask, leaning in to whisper in her ear as Paige and Cade finish packing up their leftovers.
“Can we stop by the inn first? I want to check on Mama Lucy.”
“Of co urse. Why don’t we bring her some lunch?”
She nods, and I place a quick to-go order for Ma’s favorite BLT sandwich and a slice of pecan pie for dessert.
Rosie hands me the bag with explicit instructions to have Lucy call her immediately.
It would seem the news of her budding romance with Doctor Nate has been making the rounds, and Rosie’s waiting for the inside scoop.
When we arrive at the inn, we find my mom in the sitting room. Her face lights up with a beaming smile and she immediately pulls Maggie into a tight hug. “I heard about the article. How are you holding up?”
“Surprisingly ok, actually. It’s almost a relief. But enough about me. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fantastic. A little sore, but that’s to be expected. I’m happy to be back at work. I didn’t realize just how much I missed it. Feels good to be behind that desk again.”
Ma’s surgery was a success, andthe doctors are hopeful she’ll be in remission soon.
She's been officially cleared to resume work on a full-time basis. When she shared the news, I was elated. But then the stark realization hit me that Maggie would be free to leave again. She doesn’t have a reason to stay… unless I give her one.
“We’re glad you’re ok, Ma.” I kiss her temple, a feeling of gratitude warming me as I realize things could have been so much worse if they hadn’t caught it early. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her. “Has Matty come by to see you today? We ran into him at Rosie’s earlier.”
“No, I haven’t seen Matty in a few days. Is everything ok?”
I know I should tell her what’s going on, but I don’t have it in me to crush her spirit; not after everything she’s been through.
Despite all of his flaws, Matty is still her son, and she loves him unconditionally.
I don’t want to break her heart that way.
“Everything’s fine. I’m sure he’ll be by to see you later. We better get going.”
Ma’s brow furrows in confusion, but she doesn’t pry. “It was good to see you two. Take care of my girl, Miles.”
“Always.”